Wisconsin Ag Connection - Wisconsin Corn Checkoff Helps Drive Ethanol Promotions

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Wisconsin Corn Checkoff Helps Drive Ethanol Promotions
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 10/20/2008

Wisconsin corn growers are once again giving away free, $20 gift cards to drivers purchasing E85 ethanol fuel. The promotions are being held on October 25 at the United Cooperative Cenex in Poynette and October 30 at the Tri-Par Qwik Stop, West Bend. During both events, the first 85 Flex Fuel Vehicle owners who purchase 8.5 gallons or more of E85 between 10 a.m. and noon receive a $20 gift card courtesy of the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association.

"E85 emits lower levels of carbon and other air pollutants that can cause or exacerbate lung disease," says Dona Wininsky, director of communications for the American Lung Association of Wisconsin. "For this reason, the fuel has been designated an official Clean Air Choice of the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest."

The positive effects of ethanol reach well beyond the farm and provide returns for every Wisconsin resident through improved air quality, economic development and reduced dependency on foreign oil. Recent studies indicated that local ethanol production is helping reduce fuel prices by increasing domestic supplies, which in turn lowers gas prices an average of 23 cents per gallon nationwide. In the Midwest, where U.S. ethanol production is concentrated, drivers save an average of 40 cents a gallon due to ethanol blends.

In addition, ethanol production provides a high-protein feed for dairy cows, hogs and poultry and contributes millions of dollars to local economies by creating high paying jobs and economic development.

The state Department of Transportation estimates that there are currently over 100,000 Flex Fuel vehicles registered in Wisconsin.

For a current list of all Flex Fuel vehicles and Wisconsin stations offering E85, please see www.cleanairchoice.org. For more information on the benefits of ethanol go to www.wicornpro.org.